CAPE TOWN - The number of rhino killed in South Africa has just about reached the 200 mark.

Environmental Affairs spokesperson Albi Modise on Monday said national parks continue to be hardest hit.

“South Africa has lost a total of 199 rhino since the beginning of 2012. The latest statistics indicate that Kruger National Park is the most targeted park. They have lost at least 119 rhino in the past four months.”

Modise said several national and private reserves in various provinces are also being increasingly targeted.

“Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and North West have been experiencing a rise in rhino poaching.”

In 2011, some 448 rhino were poached in South Africa.

Meanwhile, a policeman was shot dead by a game ranger in Kruger National Park at the weekend.

The officer was patrolling with a soldier near the Mozambican border at the time of the incident.

The two came under fire and the soldier retaliated by killing the ranger, who was also patrolling the area.

There is a huge demand for rhino horns in some Asian countries, where people believe the horn has powerful healing properties.